Maccabi Tel Aviv sweeps Hapoel Holon, now turns to derby final against Hapoel Tel Aviv

Maccabi Tel Aviv beat Hapoel Holon 89-61 on Friday night to complete a 3-0 sweep in the semifinal series and reach the playoff final for the fourth straight season. The final begins Tuesday at Menora Hall against city rival Hapoel Tel Aviv, in a series that will decide the championship and carry major local pride.

Coach Oded Katash said the team improved as the series progressed. “We managed to make adjustments and get better during the series, that’s important,” he said. He also pointed to the team’s resilience through a season marked by injuries and challenges. After falling behind in the first two games, Maccabi controlled the matchup from the opening tip, built a lead that peaked at more than 30 points, and used its first home crowd support of the series to produce its best performance.

Katash said defense and rebounding were the keys, noting that Maccabi’s size gave it an edge of 10 to 15 rebounds per game. Jalen Hoard led Maccabi with 18 points and 7 rebounds, Zach Hankins added 14 points and 6 rebounds, and Roman Sorkin scored 13. Jimmy Clark returned after missing six games and, in 22 minutes, finished with 14 points and 8 assists.

The main injury concern remains Tamir Blatt, who was diagnosed two days ago with a small calf tear and is not expected back until the season finale. Loni Walker is fit, but Katash said his use will depend on the roster situation and the health of the other foreign players. Walker told teammates he is ready to play and wants to stay with the club next season. Katash said Maccabi will need to perform better for 40 minutes against Hapoel Tel Aviv, which he described as having three dominant guards, strong big men and quality Israeli players.